Former WMU hockey star Jamal Mayers plays 'agent' in the hiring of head coach Andy Murray

Scott Harmsen | Kalamazoo GazetteFormer WMU hockey player Jamal Mayers attended Tuesday's news conference at Seelye Center, where Andy Murray was announced as the Broncos' new head coach.

KALAMAZOO — Jamal Mayers downplayed his impact in Andy Murray being hired as Western Michigan University's hockey coach. He shrugged off the “agent” label that Murray affectionately gave him.

“It was really simple. Once Andy had expressed interest in the job, I just thought I could reach out to Kathy (Beauregard, WMU's Director of Athletics) and really that's all I did,” said Mayers, who played for the Broncos from 1992 to 1996. “I just bridged the gap and Kathy's team did their due diligence in the process and it just worked out that he accepted the position. But I can't take any credit.

“ … If it works out, I'll take credit,” he added with a smile.

Mayers, an NHL veteran who recently signed a free-agent deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, attended Murray's introductory news conference Tuesday at Seelye Center.

The right wing has spent most of his professional career with the St. Louis Blues, where Murray coached him for part of his four seasons, along with stops in Toronto, Calgary and San Jose.

“I have to thank Jamal immensely. Kathy talked about it — in this business, it's all about relationships. I think I had the opportunity to coach Jamal in 1996 while he was a Bronco here at Western (Michigan) University. We called him to come and play for Canada,” Murray said during his time behind the lectern Tuesday. “I had a chance to coach him in St. Louis and Team Canada for the World Championships in 2007 when we won the championship in Moscow. Special kind of guy.

“I have to tell you, you get a little bit emotional when you start thinking about people like that and how they're prepared to step up and recognize something that you've given them in their lives. Let me tell you guys, life is all about making a difference. I really appreciate Jamal stepping up here and helping me in this process.”

Mayers has fond memories of his time at WMU. He still keeps tabs on the Broncos, especially during their run to the NCAA Tournament last season.

“The memories are of winning. We went to the tournament twice, my sophomore and senior year, and those are the memories that you remember — the times that you went to the tournament and did well in the CCHA,” said Mayers, a Toronto native. “It's all about winning and I was fortunate when I was there. We had good teams and we were able to have some success.”

Mayers believes Murray, because of his experience and enthusiasm, is the type of coach to help the Broncos attain that type of success consistently.

“You want to build off that momentum from last year and it'd be disappointing if they weren't able to do that,” Mayers said. “But, obviously, bringing in a guy like Andy, there's not going to be a single night where they're not prepared. He'll make adjustments between periods, and he's a winner. At the end of the day, he's going to put guys in position to play well.

“For any of these players that are aspiring to play in the National (Hockey) League, he's been there. He'll be able to help develop their game, not only as college players but possibly in the future to become a pro. That's what every kid would like to do, I'd assume. I think it's going to be good for them. They'll learn a lot; their hockey IQs are going to way up.”

During the press conference, Beauregard alluded to the idea that WMU was taking a “Why not us?” philosophy with its hockey program. Mayers is completely behind that way of thinking.

“Like Kathy said, 'Why not?' Why can't small schools or other even smaller schools compete at the national level and win a national championship year after year. That can happen here,” he said.

“Obviously Western has made a huge commitment to doing that. You end up getting better coaches, then better players, then better recruits. It's exciting.”